“Basta driver, sweet lover” is a playful slogan commonly displayed inside public utility vehicles in the country; yet it might not be sweet for jeepney drivers after all, as a study revealed that their working conditions pose threats to their health and safety.

The study conducted by the College of Engineering of the University of the Philippines Diliman noted that the average jeepney driver spends at least 10 hours behind the wheel, a situation that causes them to be subjected to awkward positions for extended periods, resulting in discomfort and body pains.

To assess the workplace layout of jeepney drivers and identify ergonomic hazards critical to their work, the study randomly selected jeepneys traveling within the University of the Philippines Diliman campus, and took measurements of all vehicle components used while driving these vehicles. The researchers also interviewed the jeepney drivers.

Ironically, the result showed that all drivers interviewed stated that they were contented with the state of their workspace, even though they confirmed that they experienced body ache after each working day.

Ergonomic problems definitely exist, the study emphasized. “The drivers just choose to ignore these problems simply because there will be monetary costs in solving these problems and because they have grown accustomed to these conditions,” the study added.

The study also noted inadequacies in the current dimensions of jeepneys based on the measurements of average Filipino workers. These measurements include the average height of the driver’s seat (32.44 cm) which is considerably shorter than the average length of the usual lower leg (45.27 cm). The average back rest height of the driver’s seat (53.89 cm) is also inadequate even with the presence of a head rest.

The side mirrors also cause unwanted difficulty for the driver due to their constant need for adjustment. In addition, almost 44% of rear-view mirrors examined were found to be fixed, and unable to be adjusted to suit the preference of the driver.

“Public jeepneys manufactured in the Philippines are produced at minimum cost; jeepneys do not undergo proper design planning procedures that other vehicles are subjected to, thus resulting to poorly designed workspace detrimental to the health of the drivers,” the study explained.

Considering the results, the researchers proposed the need for proper workspace measurements for jeepneys. The researchers also advised that driver’s seats must be properly contoured, head rests must be furnished, and adequate distance between the steering wheel and driver must be provided for.

The spare tire should also be relocated to where it will not block the driver’s access to eliminate the need for the driver to use the passenger’s side when going in and out of the vehicle.

The study entitled “An Ergonomic Study on the UP-Diliman Jeepney Driver's Workspace and Driving Conditions” is available at http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2351978915005855. ■